Latin America – Comparative Study

Latin America – Comparative Study
Aim of research project:
The purpose of this project is to develop your research and analysis skills while at the same
time being really clever in choosing two pairs of indicators which you think can best test how
developed certain countries are.
You will also be connecting and analysing concepts that we have been studying throughout
the year, such as, globalisation and development, resources, weather and climate and
environmental problems. The challenge will be to apply some or all of these issues in your
final analysis relating to Latin America.
Main question:
To what extent are all countries in Latin America at the similar level of social and economic
development?
Step 1: Hypothesis/Sub question formation
Create 2 sub-questions to help you investigate the main question above.
The sub-questions need to be comparative using a hypothesis based structure. i.e. you need to
compare 2 indicators in each sub-question.
Sample: It is expected that countries with a low GDP per capita will have a high number of
employees in the agricultural sector
A variety of indicators must be chosen, based on the following:-
● Social,
● Economic,
● Environmental,
● Political
Account for your choice of this hypothesis and wanting to investigate these indicators, and
how this sub-question will help you answer the main question.
Step 2: Case Countries
You need to investigate 10 countries across Latin America to compare their level of
development.
You need to include the following countries: Brazil, Peru, Ecuador & Argentina and
minimum two countries from Central America
Keep in mind that you need to be able to gather all the information for each country.
Step 3: Research and Data Presentation
Research, gather and collate your information on each country for each sub-question in one
table.
Create a scatter graph to show the results of your research. You should have 1 graph per
sub-question.
When creating your scatter graph, make sure to identify which variable (indicator) is the
independent variable. This variable is the causing indicator. This needs to be placed on the
x-axis.
In each graph show a trend line (pattern), and identify any anomalies (odd findings) that are
present.
Step 4: Analysis and Conclusion
Written Analysis (MOST IMPORTANT PART OF ASSIGNMENT)
1. Describe your outcomes of your graph(s), what does it look like?
2. Was your hypothesis/sub-question correct?
3. Explain how appropriate your hypotheses were in trying to define/explain how
developed countries in Latin America really are.
4. Discuss especially any anomalies (odd one out) that may have arisen
5. Put forward possible explanations for these anomalies
6. Do countries in Latin America have a similar level of development? Why or why not?
Analysis per hypothesis needs to be minimum 250 words, maximum 500 words.
Format for research project:
Useful websites to use in this research project
CIA World Factbook: Countries – The World Factbook (cia.gov)
World Bank: www.worldbank.org
HDI Country Ranking: Latest Human Development Index Ranking
Gapminder: www.gapminder.org
Digital Scatter graph: Create Scatter Plot, Free . Customize, download and easily share your
graph. Just enter the amounts, pick some colors/fonts, and we’ll take it from there!